Scott County-At approximately 1:40 p.m., troopers from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg responded to a crash on Interstate 65 North Bound just south of the 24 Mile Marker in Scott County. The preliminary investigation reveals a 2001 Mack semi-tractor and trailer loaded with home appliances was parked on the right side of the interstate having mechanical problems. Assisting the broken down semi-tractor and trailer driver was a mechanic from Boss Truck Shops in Memphis, IN. The mechanic, identified as James Stewart, 36, of Salem, IN, was lying under the 2001 Mack semi-tractor and trailer working when a 2001 Freightliner semi-tractor and trailer loaded with empty barrels was north bound at an unknown rate of speed and ran into the rear of the parked semi-tractor and trailer. When the 2006 Freightliner crashed into the rear of the semi-tractor and trailer loaded with appliances it pushed it forward striking a 2007 Chevrolet work truck that was parked in front of the 2001 Mack semi-tractor and trailer. The 2006 Freightliner continued travelling after the initial crash approximately another 300 feet going over an embankment coming to a stop in a field east of the Interstate.

The driver of the 2006 Freightliner, Michael Y Townsend, 48, of Milwaukee, WI, was transported to the Scott County Hospital via Scott County E.M.S. with non life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 2001 Mack semi-tractor and trailer was in the sleeper compartment of the semi-tractor and trailer at the time of the crash and was not injured. The mechanic working on the 2001 Mack semi-tractor and trailer sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

When the crash occurred one of the diesel fuel tanks on the 2006 Freightliner was damaged spreading diesel fuel over approximately fifty feet of the interstate. The interstate was closed periodically for clean up for over a three hour period.

After HoursAlerts and NotificationAnnouncementsCelebrationsDeadlinesFairs and ExhibitionsHoosier HistoryInitiativesKids and FamiliesLectures and DiscussionsMedia AdvisoryHearingsOral ArgumentsPerformancesPublic SafetyMeetingsSeasonal EventsSeminars/WorkshopsState HolidaysPublic Service Opportunities